Handwoven textiles are made all over Mexico and can be found all over Mexico. Almost every region and every indigenous people have specific materials, motifs, symbols, colors and natural products to make dyes that make their woven rebozos (shawls), tablecloths, runners, scarves, blouses, dresses, pillow covers and you-name-it, recognizable to that region.
I love them all. But, I have a special place in my aesthetic heart for those from Chiapas. This amazing and remote state has some of the most talented weavers and embroiderers. And the color combinations are in my favorite part of the color wheel--red, pink, green, and anything bright.
I was in San Cristóbal de las Casas in early February and was thrilled to find six women's cooperatives in the short four days I was there. Undoubtedly, there are political issues that divide and decide whose textiles are sold where, but I was not privy to that information. I was only hunting for beautiful handwoven articles of various types. I found beautiful things in every coop and every market stall in the plaza of Santo Domingo.
Some of the coops are being helped by a group of French designers in creating unique color combinations and design. Some of those designs are absolutely stunning. And many of these pieces are one of a kind.
If you enter, "Chiapas" in the search box in the online shop, you'll see some of the amazing pieces that I picked up on my most recent trip. Or stop in our Minneapolis shop to see the full array.
The color combinations are not just limited to textiles either! This church was a half block away from my hotel.
A few of the whimsical colorful critters I found at the mercado in San Cristóbal de las Casa. They will be decorating the shop soon!
Sunny, clear weather along the street of San Cristóbal...So nice to get away from Minnesota winter.
I really wanted to bring some of these fantastic giraffes home but I couldn't figure out how to pack them--they are 4-5' tall.
Here's a peek at one of the textile coops
Photo from my room at Hotel Axkan, $45/night and the most delicious restaurant...plátanos and Mexican hot chocolate every night!
Click here for our current selection of Chiapas textiles !
